This view of Leicester’s Belgrave Gate is no longer possible because it has been obliterated by a huge flyover.

Here, in May 1970, we see what you may be forgiven for thinking is the beginning of the destruction of the roundabout for the erection of the flyover – but that’s not the case.

The photograph, taken from what was then Latham’s car showroom, was intended to draw attention to the forthcoming traffic chaos, which was expected to last six months, while a new 36-inch sewer pipe was laid between Abbey Street and Melton Street.

It’s an interesting picture, as it shows in the centre what was once the Belgrave Gate Methodist Church, converted in the 1930s to the Co-op Hall.

It lost its twin towers that were on top of the square flat roofs at the front, along with the central arched window and pointed pediment above.

To the right is a poignant reminder of Leicester’s great days as a hosiery powerhouse – Corah’s, on Burley’s Way, with its well-kept frontage to what was once one of the largest hosiery factories in England.

The caption which accompanied the archive photograph goes on: “To complicate matters, 19 crossings of the road will have to be made in this stretch to lay side connections to the giant new sewer.

"This will, of course, mean 19 extra problems for motorists, in addition to the hold-ups likely to result from the main sewer excavations along the route.

“As a start to the work, a bulldozer has already started a wide trench across the centre of the roundabout, always regarded as one of the most attractive in the city.